Maine seeks approval to impose a work requirement on Medicaid beneficiaries

Maine became the latest state to seek approval from the Trump administration to impose a work requirement on Medicaid beneficiaries.

The state proposes requiring "able-bodied" adults to work at least 20 hours a week, or prove that they're searching for work.

Maine's waiver also seeks to impose monthly premiums ranging from $14 a month for people at and below the federal poverty line. Families with dependent children that collectively have incomes at 201% or more above the federal poverty level would pay $66 a month.

Medicaid beneficiaries who fail to pay their premiums would be locked out from coverage for at least three months. If the person still hasn't paid their premiums at that point they will continue to be denied coverage.

Maine residents will vote this November on whether to expand Medicaid to childless adults with incomes up to 138% of the poverty level, as outlined in the Affordable Care Act.

As many as 56,000 people could become eligible for Medicaid coverage if the measure passes. Republican Gov. Paul LePage has been an adamant opponent of Medicaid expansion.